Gutierrez targeting reserve role with top team

Esteban Gutierrez says that he is very likely to remain in Formula 1 next season as he eyes a reserve role with a top team.

Gutierrez has raced for Sauber since the start of 2013 but will not be retained as the team is to run with an all-new line up of Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr.

But the Mexican is sure that he will be remaining in the top echelon of the sport, even if it is in a reserve capacity.

"I heard there was a rumour with Lotus," he said. "We knew about the situation with Romain [Grosjean], we knew in the beginning [that] it was not a real option.

"On the other hand I’ve been working on other things, it’s a risky direction but I think it could be a good one for the future. [It's] still not guaranteed, still working on it, so hopefully that comes soon and we can share it with you guys [the media].

"I have Plan A, B and C in Formula 1 so I can choose between them. I have to wait maybe two more weeks to know and we have some things around, which my priority is to stay with F1 as Im convinced that if I’m in a better position to prove myself and show my capabilities I can be in a good position"

"That’s what I’m looking for," he added when asked if a test driver role was a priority. "To be a reserve or test in a good team, a top team, then with a plan for the future," he concluded, as well as confirming that one of his options includes Friday morning practice outings.